Do Papaya Have Oxalates? Separating Fact from Fiction

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Multiple studies and food databases confirm that papaya is a low-oxalate fruit, with some analyses showing its pulp contains negligible amounts, often reported as less than 5 mg per 100-gram serving. This means that for individuals concerned about dietary oxalate, the answer to 'do papaya have oxalates?' is highly reassuring.

Quick Summary

Ripe papaya is widely regarded as a very low-oxalate fruit, making it a safe choice for those on a low-oxalate diet or concerned about kidney stones. While the fruit contains trace amounts, its overall oxalate content is minimal and generally well-tolerated by most people.

Key Points

Very Low Oxalate Content: Ripe papaya is consistently categorized as a very low-oxalate fruit, with negligible amounts of this compound found in its edible pulp.
Ripe vs. Unripe: The ripeness of the fruit is key, as the pulp of ripe papaya contains significantly less oxalate than its seeds or unripe fruit.
Important for Kidney Diets: Due to its low oxalate level, papaya is generally safe for consumption by individuals following a low-oxalate diet to prevent kidney stones.
Consider Vitamin C Moderation: While low in oxalates, papaya is very high in vitamin C. Those with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones should consume it in moderation, as excessive vitamin C can increase oxalate production.
Packed with Nutrients: In addition to being low-oxalate, papaya is a good source of digestive enzymes like papain, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to overall digestive and immune health.

Understanding Oxalates

Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. When consumed, oxalates combine with calcium during digestion. For most healthy individuals, this combination is excreted as waste without any issue. However, for those with a history of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, consuming large amounts of high-oxalate foods can be a concern. This is because excess oxalate in the urine can combine with calcium to form painful crystals and stones.

Following a low-oxalate diet is a common preventive measure recommended by healthcare professionals for people prone to developing kidney stones. This involves monitoring and reducing the intake of foods known to be rich in oxalates.

Do Papaya Have Oxalates? The Scientific Consensus

Based on numerous dietary analyses and medical sources, papaya is consistently classified as a low-oxalate fruit. The edible pulp of ripe papaya contains minimal levels of oxalic acid, making it a suitable choice for most low-oxalate diets.

Food Database Data: According to oxalate-specific databases, ripe papaya contains 0 mg of oxalate per 100 grams, or sometimes less than 2.5 mg, which is below the detection limit.
Clinical Research Findings: A study on the antinutritional factors in papaya at different stages of maturity confirmed that the fruit's pulp was devoid of oxalic acid. The study noted that as papaya ripens, its antinutrient content, including oxalates, decreases.
Dietitian Recommendations: Kidney-focused health blogs and dietitians regularly list papaya among the low-oxalate fruits that are safe to consume for those with kidney stone concerns.

Ripe vs. Unripe Papaya

While the ripe fruit is known for its low oxalate content, it is important to distinguish this from the seeds and unripe fruit. Some studies have measured small amounts of antinutrients, including oxalates, in papaya seeds. Additionally, the latex from unripe papaya contains the enzyme papain, which can be an irritant and is best avoided, especially during pregnancy. For dietary purposes, the ripe, fleshy pulp is the part of the fruit typically consumed and is proven to be low in oxalates.

Comparing Papaya's Oxalate Content to Other Foods

To put papaya’s low oxalate level into perspective, consider how it compares to some foods and beverages known for their high oxalate content.


Food Item	Oxalate Level (Per Standard Serving)	Category	Notes
Ripe Papaya	Very Low (0–5 mg per 100g)	Low	Consistently low across sources.
Spinach	Very High (up to 755 mg per 100g)	High	A well-known high-oxalate food.
Rhubarb	Very High (>500 mg per 100g)	High	One of the highest oxalate foods.
Sweet Potato	High (17–28 mg per ½ cup)	Moderate to High	Significantly higher than papaya.
Almonds	High (122 mg per ¼ cup)	High	A common source of dietary oxalate.
Black Tea	High (5–17 mg per serving)	High	A high-oxalate beverage.

This table illustrates why papaya is considered a safe and excellent option when following a low-oxalate dietary plan, especially compared to common alternatives that are rich in the compound.

Papaya and Kidney Health: A Balanced View

While papaya's low oxalate content is beneficial, it's crucial to consider its other components, particularly vitamin C. Papaya is famously high in vitamin C, with a medium-sized fruit potentially containing more than 200% of the daily recommended value. For most people, this is a health benefit. However, excessive intake of vitamin C has been linked to an increased risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, as the body can convert it into oxalate.

This is not a reason to avoid papaya entirely but rather a reminder to practice moderation, particularly if you have a history of kidney stone formation. As the National Kidney Foundation advises, it’s important to consume papaya in moderation and not rely on it as the only fruit in your diet. A varied diet, coupled with proper hydration, is the best approach to overall kidney health.

How to Incorporate Papaya into a Low-Oxalate Diet

Enjoy it Fresh: Cut into cubes for a simple, sweet snack or addition to fruit salads.
Blend into Smoothies: Mix with other low-oxalate fruits like bananas, melons, or peaches.
Use in Salsa: Create a tropical salsa with papaya, mango, and other low-oxalate ingredients.
Pair with Calcium-Rich Foods: Pairing papaya with a source of calcium, such as a small amount of yogurt or cheese, can help bind oxalates in the gut and minimize absorption, though this is less of a concern with such a low-oxalate fruit.

Conclusion: Enjoying Papaya with Confidence

In summary, the question of 'do papaya have oxalates?' is answered with a clear and positive response for those on a restricted diet. Ripe papaya is a very low-oxalate fruit, making it a safe and nutritious addition to most people’s diets, including those managing kidney stones. While the fruit is rich in vitamin C, which can be a concern in excessive doses for kidney stone formers, moderate consumption is a healthy and delicious choice. By understanding its nutritional profile and incorporating it mindfully, you can enjoy the many benefits of this tropical fruit without worry. As always, consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice regarding your specific health needs.

Visit the National Kidney Foundation for more information on diet and kidney health

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ripe papaya is generally considered safe for people with a history of kidney stones because its edible pulp is very low in oxalates, which are a primary component of calcium oxalate stones. However, moderation is always advised, especially concerning its high vitamin C content.

According to reputable sources like oxalate food databases, ripe papaya contains a very low amount of oxalate, often cited as 0 mg per 100 grams, or below detection levels. Some raw papaya pulp may contain trace amounts, but it remains one of the lowest-oxalate fruits available.

Unripe papaya contains higher levels of certain compounds, and its seeds can have some antinutrients like oxalates. Stick to the ripe, fleshy pulp of the fruit, which has been shown to be devoid of oxalic acid in its edible part.

Yes, research has indicated that papaya seeds contain small amounts of antinutrients, including oxalates, though the levels are generally low. The edible pulp is the part of the fruit that is proven to be consistently low in oxalates.

For most people, the high vitamin C in papaya is a health benefit. However, for those with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, excessive vitamin C intake can be converted to oxalate by the body. It is wise to consume papaya in moderation if you have this condition and consult a doctor.

Papaya stands out as an excellent low-oxalate fruit, comparable to or even lower than other popular options such as mangoes, bananas, and melons. This makes it a great choice for adding variety to a low-oxalate diet.

Drinking pure papaya juice made from the pulp of ripe fruit would result in a very low-oxalate beverage. However, any juice should be consumed in moderation, and processed juices may have added ingredients. Whole fruit is often preferable for its fiber content.